Soften Your Facial Features by Treating Nasolabial Folds

By dustinheringer on April 01, 2016

At Arizona Ocular and Facial Plastic Surgery, Drs. Dustin Heringer and William McLeish are dedicated to helping patients enhance their natural beauty by addressing the most common aesthetic imperfections. The majority of these imperfections are a natural result of the aging process. Over time, the skin will lose its elasticity and facial features will begin to change. These changes are often further accelerated by years of exposure to harsh environmental elements. Facial plastic surgery helps patients minimize the signs of aging in order to revitalize their appearance. Cosmetic surgery can be especially helpful in the treatment of nasolabial folds, the deep creases that many patients develop between the nose and mouth. However, surgery is not the only treatment option for patients to consider. These creases can also be treated non-invasively. Here we discuss the types of treatment for nasolabial folds offered to our Scottsdale, AZ patients.

Dermal Fillers

When nasolabial folds are not as severe, or when a patient is looking for a non-invasive treatment option, dermal fillers may be the ideal treatment option. Our doctors offer a range of dermal fillers, all of which allow us to sculpt a patient’s face by adding volume to facial features that have become sunken in or hollowed out. The hyaluronic acid-based gel fillers offered at our practice are also particularly effective in filling in deep creases, in order to soften the appearance of lines such as nasolabial folds. While dermal fillers do not permanently correct the appearance of nasolabial folds, results do last for roughly six months, and treatment can be repeated as necessary.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting treats nasolabial folds similarly to dermal fillers. Through fat grafting, our doctors can fill out sunken facial features and soften the appearance of deep lines and creases. Where this treatment differs is that it uses a patient’s own body fat, rather than a synthetic dermal filler. First, the patient undergoes liposuction, where fat is harvested from an area of the body that is holding onto excess fat (the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, etc.). These fat cells are then refined and purified, and then injected into the face in order to sculpt the face and erase signs of nasolabial folds.

Cheek Implants

Cheek implants are one surgical solution for nasolabial folds. Cheek implants may be appropriate when the primary cause of nasolabial folds is sunken and/or drooping cheeks. By inserting cheek implants, our doctors can add volume and proportion to the face while making nasolabial folds look less severe.

Face Lift

A face lift is the most permanent and effective treatment for nasolabial folds. A facelift allows our doctors to eliminate excess skin that may be causing drooping, and manipulate the underlying facial muscles in order to give the face a more youthful appearance. By giving facial features the lift they need, and by tightening and repositioning the facial muscles, our surgeons can eliminate many of the signs of aging, including nasolabial folds.

Schedule an Appointment

Nasolabial folds can detract from a patient’s natural beauty and add years to the appearance. Fortunately, Drs. Dustin Heringer and William McLeish offer a range of cosmetic treatments that address nasolabial folds and offer patients a more refreshed and youthful appearance. To find out which of these treatments will best meet your unique needs, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plastic surgeons at your earliest convenience.